The 2014 Farm Bill was signed into law Friday morning, representing the most significant farm policy reform in U.S. history.
The Agricultural Act of 2014 improves agricultural programs and shows the largest reduction in farm policy spending in history. It repeals direct payments and limits producers to risk management tools that offer protection when they suffer significant loss, reduces limits on payments, holding farmers more accountable, and strengthens crop insurance.
“This farm bill represents the most significant reform to our farm policy in history,” said U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock). “ As an almond farmer in the Central Valley, I know firsthand how crucial this bipartisan legislation is in giving certainty to our agricultural industry. This bill saves taxpayers $23 billion while eliminating unnecessary and duplicative programs and ending direct payments. It was an honor to serve on the conference committee and lend a Valley perspective to farm bill deliberations.”
The farm bill also supports small businesses and new farmers by offering training and access to capital, and condensed 23 duplicate or overlapping conservation programs to 13.
Along with agricultural policy reform comes the first reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program since 1996. The Agricultural Act of 2014 establishes a 10-state pilot program to move able-bodied adults on food stamps into mandatory work programs and prevent SNAP recipients from receiving benefits in multiple states.
For a complete look at the bill, including a full list of its provisions, go to http://agriculture.house.gov/bill/agricultural-act-2014.
